Space efficient folding storage pouches

ABSTRACT

Storage pouches ideal for securing loose and relatively formless items such as necklaces, chains, earrings, and other personal jewelry, including storage pouches comprised of a flexible sheet of material that may be optionally fashioned with pre-formed channels for securing chains and ropes. The storage pouch is closed by folding it in upon itself, and securing it shut with one or more removable fasteners. Other embodiments include pouch material without pre-formed channels, but first folding in to form the channels, then folding upon itself to be secured shut.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to copending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/058,191, filed on 1 Oct. 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to organization and protection of small form factor items. More specifically, storage equipment consisting of loops that enables the organization of pendant and necklace-style jewelry, similarly configured items, and associated components is disclosed.

An object with chains, ropes, or strings, such as a pendant, necklace, or other type of jewelry, typically requires special equipment to prevent getting tangled during travel. Frequently such equipment is limited to a particular type of jewelry and form factor. In particular, currently available equipment for small form factor jewelry lacks modularity, flexibility, and versatility. Furthermore, various types and components of such storage equipment are typically not interchangeable and lack widespread versatility in usage.

Thus, there exists a need for a means to store jewelry and other similarly sized and configured items in a way that prevents damage to the items, prevents tangling of associated chains, ropes, cords, or strings, and yet is flexible enough to accommodate differences in item size, and is capable of being utilized with other travel and storage accessories.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a storage pouch ideal for securing loose and relatively formless items such as necklaces, chains, earrings, and other personal jewelry. The storage pouch is comprised of a flexible sheet of material that may be optionally fashioned with pre-formed channels for securing chains and ropes. The storage pouch is closed by folding it in upon itself, and securing it shut with one or more removable fasteners. Other embodiments have the pouch material without pre-formed channels, but first folding in to form the channels, then folding upon itself to be secured shut.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be fully appreciated and better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The use of common reference characters across the drawings designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first example storage equipment with two organizing loops, without an end closing flap, that incorporates a mechanism for connecting the loop material together, thereby enabling organization, modularity, portability, and protection of the cord elements (wire, string, chain, etc.) of enclosed jewelry.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a second example storage equipment with two organizing loops, with several materials bonded together and with an integrated end closing flap, to offer protection from the outside environment.

FIG. 3 is another illustration of the second example storage equipment depicted in FIG. 2, showing the end closing flap folded shut and attached to the body of the storage equipment, thereby offering protection from the outside environment, enhancing the versatility and portability of the storage equipment in use.

FIG. 4 is an overhead illustration of the second example storage equipment depicted in FIG. 2, showing the organization loops unfolded.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of protecting and organizing several separated pieces in place. A method such as magnets can be used to further keep different pieces separated.

FIG. 6 illustrates the embodiment of storing and holding smaller extruded pieces, and such pieces are fully protected when folded over several times.

FIG. 7 illustrates the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 in a folded and secured closed configuration.

The same numbers are used throughout the disclosure and the figures to reference like components and features. Numbers in the 100 series refer to the features originally found in FIG. 1; numbers in the 200 series refer to features originally found in FIG. 2; and so on.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As discussed above, the majority of additional equipment used to prevent jewelry and other similar small form factor items from tangling are limited to particular types of jewelry and specific form factors. This results in a product that can be limited with respect to widespread application. Moreover, as current storage equipment comes in a range of sizes and configurations such as straws and tubes or, on the opposite spectrum of options, large, expensive boxes with compartments and cases, these available options are ill suited for space efficiency and/or protection from environmental damage while traveling. Furthermore, current solutions are not modular. Rather, existing known storage equipment is permanently linked to the original form factor.

The embodiments described herein generally relate to storage equipment with a small form factor that enables space efficiency, organization, modularity, portability, versatility, interchangeability, while providing protection of enclosed items. In some embodiments, the small form factor includes one or more flaps made from flexible material that are foldable and held together by bonding mechanisms that are repeatably removable such as Velcro®, Ziploc®, buttons, snaps, or magnetic strips, so as to form one or more loops in which to secure the cord element of an item or items to be stored therein from substantial movement. Further, in some embodiments, the small form factor does not include a flap and bonding mechanism, but is simply comprised of two fixed organizing loops. A bonding mechanism can be used to enable access to the internal components. Additionally, the storage equipment can optionally include a flap or a shielding piece at either or both ends of the storage equipment that provides an enclosing mechanism to protect internal components from damage.

In the following description and claims, the terms “organizing loop” and “set of loops,” along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, “set of loops” may mean that two or more elements are organized intentionally as a means to create opportunities for item organization, separation, protection, as well as a variety of other useful applications.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first example storage equipment 100, comprised of a loop housing (LH) that is folded to create organizing loops. The integrated bonding mechanism to removably secure the folded housing material to create the loops enables organization, modularity, portability, and protection of enclosed items and their associated components. The storage equipment may thus be constructed from any flexible material that can receive an appropriate bonding mechanism. The storage equipment can be manufactured from a variety of different materials, with varying thicknesses and durability. Some examples include microfiber, leather, canvas, plastic, vinyl, woven material, cloth, or any other suitable flexible material now know or later developed. The storage equipment can be made to different sizes to accommodate various types of jewelry or other similar items, e.g., sizes for bracelets, standard or long necklaces, or any size suitable to accommodate a variety of different jewelry types.

The storage equipment 100 is comprised of two organizing loops 102, which are formed from flaps 108. Of the two organizing loops 102 depicted in FIG. 1, one of the loops 102 can be made slightly larger so as to allow room for thicker clasps or any end mechanisms of sorts that require extra space to be able to go through the organizing loop 102. The flexible material used for flaps 108 acts as a helping agent to aid in such processes.

At least one of the flaps 108 includes a bonding mechanism 104. The bonding mechanism 104 holds the two flaps 108 in place, thereby creating organizing loops 102, and allowing item material to be inserted and to move freely through the loops. The bonding mechanism 104 can be of any bonding or adhesive of sorts to keep the structural integrity of the organized loops together as the elongated center length axis, and ideally is a material that creates a removable bond, such as a magnet, magnetic strips, Velcro®, button(s), snap(s), Ziploc®, or other similar material.

Between each flap 108 lies a center strip 106, which may be linked through bonding mechanism 104 to create a divider between the two organizing loops 102, thereby separating and keeping stored item material 110 such as cords, strings, chains, etc. divided. Center strip 106 ideally will include a portion of the bonding mechanism 104, such as a metal or magnetic strip (where magnets are used for the bonding mechanism), button, snap, or a hook or loop portion where Velcro is used.

By using a removable bond material for bonding mechanism 104, the organizing loops 108 may be opened and the entire storage equipment 100 opened flat to allow easy accessibility to stored jewelry and item components if needed, or easy insertion of jewelry or items to be stored.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of a storage equipment 200 with two organizing loops 208 and 210, with an additional end closing flap 202 of materials bonded to the main body of the storage equipment 200 with an integrated bonding mechanism feature, thereby offering protection from potential damage from outside environments.

The storage equipment 200 includes two organizing loops 208 created by flaps 210, analogous to the organizing loops 102 in FIG. 1., which provide two separated areas to hold, secure, and divide any cord, string, chain, or components of sorts.

The end closing flap 202 extends from the end of storage equipment 200 along its long axis, and is comprised of a flexible tab which protrudes from the set of organizing loops 208 to form a flap or enclosure for the end openings of the organizing loops 208, and to allow access to any items stored therein. Optionally, a second end closing flap 202 may be located on the opposite end of the storage equipment 200 if a completely enclosable storage is desired.

End closing flap 202 closes to storage equipment 200 to protect the contents of storage equipment 200 by folding to bonding line 204 and mating to a bonding mechanism 206 that removably holds the end closing flap 202 shut. Depending on the type of bonding mechanism utilized, end closing flap 202 includes the matching portion 212 of the bonding mechanism 206, such as a magnet, snap, button hole, hook or loop portion, or Ziploc® track, as required.

To accommodate a range of jewelry or other item sizes, one or both of the organizing loops 208 can be made slightly larger, so as to provide extra room for thicker stored item materials 110 or clasps that needs to run through the loop.

As with the storage equipment 100 depicted in FIG. 1, the flaps 210 are detachably linked together to form organizing loops 208, utilizing a flexible material to form the organizing loops 208 and provide storage with minimal slippage, so as to securely hold the internal components stored inside.

Depending on the bonding mechanism utilized, an optional bonding mechanism flap 214 may be provided, and be constructed from a piece of material, adhesion or bonding agent that assists in holding the bonding mechanism 212 components together.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the example storage equipment 200, depicting the end closing flap shut and secure, so as to provide a closed storage equipment 300 that offers protection to enclosed jewelry or other items from the outside environment or potential damage, and further providing versatility and portability in usage. As discussed above, the storage equipment 300 is ideally made of a material that is flexible yet provides minimal slippage, thereby holding stored items securely. By way of example, a material that includes a non-slip interior could be utilized, such as a plastic or cloth exterior with a felt or suede lining.

The bonding mechanism 304 is used to secure end closing flap 302 to the body of storage equipment 300, thereby helping to hold the entire enclosure together.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of storage equipment 400, a top view of the storage equipment 200 disclosed in FIGS. 2 and 3, but with the organizing loops and end closing flap detached from the bonding mechanism and unfolded.

The storage equipment 400 embodiment described herein generally relates to the idea of protecting small form factor items. As can be seen in FIG. 4, unfolding the storage equipment 400 enables easy accessibility to place or remove the jewelry or items to be stored. When folded as depicted in the figures, the storage equipment 400 becomes an enclosure that provides security and protection from potential damage, while ensuring versatility of use.

The bonding mechanism 402 is analogous to the bonding mechanism 304 depicted in FIG. 3, in which the bonding mechanism is used to secure an end closing flap, and thereby help hold the storage equipment together.

Depending on the mechanism used, a bonding mechanism flap 404 may provided to secure the bonding mechanism 402, which connects to a mating bonding mechanism on the body of storage equipment 400. Likewise, a second bonding mechanism flap 406 may be utilized to match with the bonding mechanism 402. Both bonding mechanism flaps 404 and 406 are comprised of either a separate layer of material, or an adhesive or bonding agent that secures the bonding mechanism to the body of the storage equipment 400.

The storage equipment 400 can include folding guides 408, which assist the user in appropriately placing the jewelry or other items to be stored, along with guiding folding the single flexible piece of material that comprises the storage equipment 400 body into a closed form.

Example Embodiment 1

A set of organizing loops are disclosed. The organizing loops are comprised of two flexible flaps that removably are secured to create a housing (ie. Case, enclosure, etc.) for strings, cords, chains, or anything of sorts. Creating the housing from removably attached flaps enables access to items stored inside. The organizing loops also provide separated spaces to keep the items secured inside separate, preventing them from becoming tangled.

The enclosure provides shielding from damage from external and potentially internal components. The enclosure includes a means to enclose long strands or pieces of material. The enclosure also ideally minimizes waste and provides for a reusable, versatile, space saving, modular, portable protectant that protects and secures enclosed jewelry or other items from moving around, especially during transportation, and prevents the enclosed items becoming tangled.

Example Embodiment 2

The storage equipment disclosed above also provides a method for storing small form factor jewelry and other similar items in a space efficient, modular, portable, protecting organizer that allows for easy and safe transportation. The method includes opening up a flexible piece of material that includes an embedded bonding mechanism, placing the item(s) to be stored upon the flexible piece of material, and then folding over two flaps of the flexible material and securing them to the embedded bonding material so as to form two organizing loops that enclose the item(s) to be stored. Optionally, flap(s) disposed at one or both end openings of the organizing loops may be further folded over and attached to a second bonding mechanism so as to more fully enclose and protect the item(s) to be stored.

Example Embodiment 3

The storage of pieces that are thicker can be stored in a designated area that acts as storage to protect pieces inside the flap(s) in 501. The end closing flap can have an open area to hook the storage equipment for display and easy access purposes in 500, grommets may be used as needed.

As shown in FIG. 5, the disclosed storage pouch can be equipped with an eyelet 500 for hanging or securing the storage pouch on a hook or other protrusion. The storage pouch in FIG. 5 is comprised of one or more end flaps 501, which includes apertures 502 that can mate with a corresponding fastener 507. The storage pouch includes one or more channels 504 through which items can be passed, and then removably secured within the storage pouch by affixing mechanisms 508. Affixing mechanisms 508 can be anything suitable for removably securing items without harming the secured items, such as magnets, adhesive spots, hook and loop material, buttons, clasps, etc. End flap 501 can be equipped with additional material that covers the ends of secured items as well as affixing mechanisms 508. In FIG. 6, which shows an overhead view of the storage pouch unfolded, optional attachment points 600 can be seen for securing items such as earrings.

The storage pouch is closed by repeatedly folding along folding lines 503. Fasteners 507 first pass through apertures on the initially folded flap (not numbered, but shown next to affixing mechanisms 508 in FIG. 5), and then through a second set of apertures 505. As the pouch is folded further, apertures 502 finally engage with fasteners 507 to secure the storage pouch closed. The storage pouch in its closed configuration is seen in FIG. 7, where secured fasteners 700 are shown on the outer surface. The inner folds 701 are visible along the side of the closed and secured storage pouch. 

1. A storage pouch comprised of a sheet of flexible material, further comprising: one or more portions of the sheet that fold inward towards the center of the sheet, one or more attachment devices that allow the one or more portions of the sheet that fold inward to be removably secured to the sheet, and a second sheet of flexible material disposed on the sheet and attached to the sheet so as to form one or more channels; wherein the one or more channels are covered by the one or more portions of the sheet that fold inward when the one or more portions of the sheet that fold inward are secured to the sheet. 